öA spay is the surgical removal of a female animal's reproductive organs so she cannot become pregnant

öDogs and cats spayed before their first heat are virtually assured of not developing mammary cancer, a relatively common disease in unspayed females. It is recommended to spay them between 6 months and a year.

ö Spayed pets cannot develop the uterine infection called ”Pyometra," which occurs commonly among older, unspayed dogs and cats. Pyometra is a life threatening disease.

öSpayed animals do not go through heat cycles or produce unwanted puppies or kittens. “Heat” refers to the time when female dogs and cats prepare for mating and pregnancy.

Neuter

öA neuter is the surgical removal of a male animal's testicles so that he cannot impregnate a female.

öMales neutered at a young age are far less likely to develop dominance or aggression-related behavior problems, including possession and food guarding, territory marking (lifting his leg on everything in sight), aggression.

öSpaying or neutering your pet can also eliminate undesirable behaviors like spraying, marking and fighting.

öAltered animals are generally more docile and easier to train.

öNeutered animals are not sexually frustrated! Intact animals become sexually frustrated when responsible pet owners do not permit them to mate and satisfy those hormonally driven urges. Without testosterone, these urges are not present and the animals are more likely to focus their attention on their human family rather than on reproduction.

The surgeries are performed by a veterinarian while animals are under general anesthesia so that they do not feel any pain. An animal may experience some discomfort after the surgery, but most veterinarians will provide medication to help ease the soreness.

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” ― Anatole France